CPA / Tax Advisor – Startup Equity, 83(b), 409A, Founder Tax Planning
Job Description
We are looking for an experienced CPA or tax advisor to support a California-based startup founder with equity-related tax planning and compliance.
This role is not basic tax preparation. We need someone with hands-on experience advising founders and early-stage startups on complex equity and compensation tax matters.
The engagement is initially advisory/project-based, with potential for ongoing support.
Scope of Work (High Level)
Advise on tax implications of restricted stock, vesting, and equity restructuring
Review and confirm correct tax treatment for:
Vesting acceleration
Interim 409A-based income events
Section 83(b) elections
Coordinate between company-side tax reporting and personal tax obligations
Confirm withholding, reporting, and documentation requirements
Provide clear guidance on:
Ordinary income vs capital gains
Timing of tax liabilities
Risk mitigation and compliance best practices
Required Expertise (Very Important)
We are specifically looking for someone with deep experience in the following areas:
Startup equity taxation
Restricted stock
Vesting schedules
Vesting acceleration
Section 83(b) elections
Timing, filing, consequences
409A valuations
Understanding how FMV impacts taxable events
Interpreting interim 409A values for tax purposes
Founder compensation planning
Equity vs salary
Phantom income risk
IRS and California tax treatment
Ordinary income vs capital gains
Withholding and reporting (W-2 or equivalent)
Nice to Have
Experience working with VC-backed startups
Familiarity with Carta or similar cap table / valuation platforms
Experience coordinating with startup counsel (e.g., Wilson Sonsini, Cooley, Fenwick)
Ability to explain complex tax topics clearly and practically
What We Are NOT Looking For
Basic individual tax preparation only
Entry-level accountants
Someone without real startup equity experience
If you’ve never advised on 83(b), vesting, or 409A-related tax events, this is likely not a good fit.
Apply Now
Apply Now
We are looking for an experienced CPA or tax advisor to support a California-based startup founder with equity-related tax planning and compliance.
This role is not basic tax preparation. We need someone with hands-on experience advising founders and early-stage startups on complex equity and compensation tax matters.
The engagement is initially advisory/project-based, with potential for ongoing support.
Scope of Work (High Level)
Advise on tax implications of restricted stock, vesting, and equity restructuring
Review and confirm correct tax treatment for:
Vesting acceleration
Interim 409A-based income events
Section 83(b) elections
Coordinate between company-side tax reporting and personal tax obligations
Confirm withholding, reporting, and documentation requirements
Provide clear guidance on:
Ordinary income vs capital gains
Timing of tax liabilities
Risk mitigation and compliance best practices
Required Expertise (Very Important)
We are specifically looking for someone with deep experience in the following areas:
Startup equity taxation
Restricted stock
Vesting schedules
Vesting acceleration
Section 83(b) elections
Timing, filing, consequences
409A valuations
Understanding how FMV impacts taxable events
Interpreting interim 409A values for tax purposes
Founder compensation planning
Equity vs salary
Phantom income risk
IRS and California tax treatment
Ordinary income vs capital gains
Withholding and reporting (W-2 or equivalent)
Nice to Have
Experience working with VC-backed startups
Familiarity with Carta or similar cap table / valuation platforms
Experience coordinating with startup counsel (e.g., Wilson Sonsini, Cooley, Fenwick)
Ability to explain complex tax topics clearly and practically
What We Are NOT Looking For
Basic individual tax preparation only
Entry-level accountants
Someone without real startup equity experience
If you’ve never advised on 83(b), vesting, or 409A-related tax events, this is likely not a good fit.
Apply Now
Apply Now